This blender is very impressive.  It's got a very powerful motor, nice features, and easily handles the worst you can throw at it (grinding up dry ice is about the hardest thing you can do to a blender...and this handles that task beautifully)!  Word of (obvious) caution...do not let anyone (kids, pets) place the carafe on an already spinning spindle...that's instant death to the little plastic interface and will end your blender.